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An initiative of the
International Association for Human Values
www.iahv.org

In cooperation with:


Club of Budapest Worldshift Network
www.clubofbudapest.org

Women's International League
for Peace and Freedom,
Norway
www.wilpf.int.ch


Art of Living Norway – www.artofliving.no



South Asia is a turbulent, complex region with a prominent place in the global map of ethnic conflict. It is characterized by multi-ethnic societies with striking internal divisions along linguistic, regional, communal and sectarian lines, externally linked to one another across national boundaries. Even though it has a common cultural background and shared political experience, many groups have been fiercely fighting with each other, challenging the national governments and frustrating their nation-building efforts, such as in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

All these conflicts and violence are occurring in South Asia despite the fact that the Gandhian principles of non-violence originate from this region, and world’s largest democracy, India, has a central place in South Asia. Then, what is the missing link to achieve peace in this most volatile region, despite interest from all sides and the long-term engagement from the international community?

This Conference on Peace and Reconciliation will aim to find an answer to this question by focusing on the current challenges in South Asia and the opportunities that exist towards achieving peace and reconciliation in this volatile part of the globe.

The goals of this conference are:

  • To recognize the crisis in South Asia and the urgent need for more stability, security and good governance for promoting stability in this region
  • To bring together representatives from South Asia, as well as Western experts, and those who have been involved in mediation efforts in the region, to facilitate the dialog that is necessary and explore novel approaches to bring lasting security, stability, development and peace.
  • To discuss the need to focus on each individual in society, as peaceful individuals do not contribute to conflicts. How could this be achieved?
  • To articulate and explore the faith-based resources and values offered by the two ancient religions of Buddhism and Hinduism in the setting of contemporary social and political problem-solving for peace and development in South Asia.

The Conference will bring leading representatives from South Asia, as well as Western experts, and those who have been involved in mediation efforts in the region, to facilitate the dialog that is necessary and explore novel approaches to bring lasting peace to South Asia - a peace with human rights and democracy. In addition, there will be representatives of Hinduism and Buddhism, two major faiths in the region, to explore as to how strengthening the spiritual fibre of society, of universal human values, can help with the peace process.

Confirmed Speakers:

Speakers:

• Mr. Nirj Deva, Member of European Parliament, Chair of Workshop on Naxalism in India and Nepal

• Mr. Johannes Heimrath, Executive Director, Club of Budapest Worldshift Network, Co-Chair of Workshop on Burma

• Ms. Erika Mann, Member of European Parliament, Chair of Workshop on Sri Lanka

• Ms. Hilde Salvesen, Special Advisor, The Oslo Center for Peace & Human Rights, Norway, Co-Chair of Workshop on Burma

• Mr. Colin Archer, Secretary General, International Peace Bureau, Switzerland

• Ms. Kathrine Aspaas, Journalist, Aftenposten, Norway

• Mr. Jon Hanssen-Bauer, Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Sri Lanka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway

• Prof. Brahma Chellaney, Centre for Policy Research, India

• Mr. Kalpataru Das, Member of the Orissa State Legislative Assembly, India

• Mr. Francois Gautier, Editor in Chief, La Revue de l'Inde

• Dr. Jayalath Jayawardene, Member of Parliament, Sri Lanka

• Mr. Sigurd Falkenberg Mikkelsen, NRK, Norway

• Mr. Giridhari Nayak, Inspector General of Police, Chhattisgarh, India

• Mr. Ramvichar Netam, Home Minister of Chhattisgarh, India

• Prof. Rune Ottosen, Journalism Education, Oslo University College, Norway

• Mr. Sashi Raj Pandey, Chairman, Art of Living Nepal

• Mr. Wolfgang Riehn, Executive Chair, Club of Budapest Worldshift Network

• Rt. Rev. Dr. Brahmanawatte Seevali Nayaka Thero, Deputy Secretary General, Sri Lanka Amarapura Mahanikaya

• H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, International Association for Human Values, Switzerland

• Rt. Rev. Dr. Maduluvave Sobitha Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Nagavihara Kotte, Sri Lanka

• Ms. Dagmar Sorbøe, Chairperson, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Norway

• Prof. Indra de Soysa, NTNU / International Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO), Norway

• Prof. Sturla Stålsett, General Secretary, Kirkens Bymisjon Oslo

• Mr. Arumugam Thondaman, Minister for Youth Empowerment & Socio-Economic Development, Sri Lanka

• Mr. Vaiko, General Secretary, The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Tamil Nadu, India

• Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, Secretary General, Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process, Sri Lanka

• Mr. Khin Maung Win, Deputy Executive Director, Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway

• Mr. Harn Yawnghwe, Director, Euro-Burma Office, Belgium

• Dr. Wasim Zaman, Director, CST for South & West Asia, United Nations Population Fund
Impressum